Hi Fellow Birders, After Labor Day we took our motorhome for a two-week treck through mid-Wisconsin, Superior and north-east through Duluth around the beautiful big Lake as far as Schroeder and back through Northern Wis. I found birding a bit problematical with the thick leaves on the trees and not much bird song, but the scenery was spectacular and the campgrounds (mostly State Parks or County Parks) not too full and very scenic. (Reference Wayne R's description of Pattison Falls and Copper Falls.) I intended to get to Hawk Ridge for the very first time, which we managed when in the Superior area, and it was so well worth it. A Hot day Monday after they had their bird-festival, but there were scads of people there with chairs and scopes about mid-day. Met Kevin helping out with descriptions of the raptors and of Hawk Ridge - the big count was Sharp Shinned Hawks and while we were there they reached two-thousand for the day's count. Kettles of Broad-wings, the odd Peregrine, Red Tails and T. Vultures all came over. Then they brought out three Sharpies that had been mist-netted, explained in detail how to identify them by eye color,etc. giving us good demos of shape, size (not easy to tell sex by size too much apparently from Cooper's) and then they stated that with a donation we could release them - so I offered. What a thrill to hold the small bird about the size of a M. Dove, and after photos release it. The next to be released was a Red-Tail which again was demonstrated for all ID markings and then released over the bluff. Though it was a bit hot to stay too long we certainly learned a lot and the staff/volunteers did a great job. Their displays set up with pictures and outlines of what to look for, and the seasons that were good for different species (Oct-Nov for Bald and occasional Golden Eagles etc.) made for a great learning experience. I was not aware that Jaegerfest was on that next weekend - We went to Wis. Point Thursday while our Motor-Home was at the fixers for a problem that meant an overnight stay in a motel! There were a few cars gathered at the first stop, but we ignored that stop and went to look for any type of bird both in the Bay and on the Lake where the waves were pretty strong, but other than a couple of B. Eagles and lots of gulls there were no shorebirds and only DCCormorants, though we went all the way and walked the dock. I guess I did not know what to look for having never seen a Jaeger and Gulls are still a problem with me. There were a few warblers among the usual suspects in the wooded areas on the bay side. Next day walking along the BayWalk a cyclist stopped seeing our Binos around our necks and asked if we were there for the Jaegerfest stating a few birders were already investigating the Point. We had to pick up the Bus and head out as we had no other reservation for our next stops in MN. Highlights were a family of C.Loons on Solberg Lake near Phillips calling to each other and preening and teaching the youngster how to fish - we could set up our deck chairs right on the edge of the water. A young Eagle was learning how to fish also, and the Loons would call to each other when it came nearby - also when boaters came by. Such a wonderful sound. Since coming back I have not birded except from the car - and the last two days have seen winds of over 58 miles an hour with spectacular waves over the docks nearby photo'ed by friends! Winter is not far I guess, but September was awesome and the trees are getting spectacular. Now to coax a Pileated onto the suet - that will be a treat! Hilary Ford, Ellison Bay, Door County #################### You received this email because you are subscribed to the Wisconsin Birding Network (Wisbirdn). To UNSUBSCRIBE or SUBSCRIBE, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn. To set DIGEST or VACATION modes, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn. Visit Wisbirdn ARCHIVES at: //www.freelists.org/archives/wisbirdn.